Cancer Treatment and Oral Health: A Guide for Patients and Caregivers
Facing a cancer diagnosis brings a whirlwind of appointments, choices, and emotions. With so much on your mind, your dental health might not be the first thing you think of - but it is a deeply important part of your overall well-being and comfort during recovery.
Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation are incredibly powerful. While they work hard to heal your body, they can also temporarily affect the gentle, fast-growing cells inside your mouth. This can sometimes cause uncomfortable side effects like mouth sores, deep dryness, or a higher risk of infection.
The wonderful news is that you do not have to just sit through these changes. A quick visit to your dentist before you begin treatment is one of the kindest things you can do for your body. Here is how we can look after your smile together, along with practical ways family and caregivers can help.
Before cancer treatment begins - why an early dental visit matters
If you can, please try to pop in to see us at least two weeks before your cancer therapy starts.
Think of this visit as preparing the ground. We will gently check for any hidden cavities, broken teeth, loose fillings, gum issues or possible sources of infection.
Where appropriate, dealing with these before treatment begins can reduce the likelihood of dental problems developing when your body may be less able to fight off infection while your immune system is busy helping you heal. We can also prescribe a special, extra-protective fluoride toothpaste to give your teeth a bit of extra armour.
If you have already started cancer treatment, please don't worry that you have missed your opportunity to see a dentist. Dental care can still be important, but our dentists may need to liaise with your oncology or medical team before certain treatments are carried out.
Always let our dentists know about your cancer diagnosis, the treatment you are receiving and any medication you are taking.
Gentle Daily Care to Soothe Your Mouth
When your treatment begins, your mouth will appreciate a little extra tenderness. Here are a few simple ways to keep things comfortable:
Choose a gentle brush and brush gently twice a day: Switch to a super-soft toothbrush. A small or children's toothbrush can sometimes be more comfortable if your mouth is sore.
Continue using fluoride toothpaste, unless your dental or medical team has advised you differently. If your usual toothpaste stings or feels uncomfortable, an SLS-free toothpaste may be worth trying.
Make a simple, soothing rinse: Skip commercial mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as they can sting and dry out your mouth. Instead, dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse gently to soothe the tissue.
Clean between your teeth carefully and be mindful with flossing: Use floss or interdental brushes if you are able to do so comfortably. If your medical team mentions that your blood clotting cells (platelets) are low, it is best to pause flossing for a little while to prevent bleeding.
Keep dentures very clean by removing and cleaning them regularly and following any specific advice given by your dental or oncology team.
Look after your lips with a gentle lip balm if they become dry or cracked. If you are having radiotherapy, ask your treatment team which products are suitable.
If brushing becomes painful or difficult, speak to your dentist, nurse or oncology team rather than simply stopping your oral hygiene routine. They may be able to suggest products or techniques that make mouth care more comfortable.
Coping with a dry mouth
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a common side effect of some cancer treatments and medications.
Saliva does much more than keep our mouths comfortable. It helps to protect the teeth from decay, washes away food debris and helps us eat, swallow and speak. A significant reduction in saliva can therefore increase the risk of dental problems.
You may find it helpful to:
Sip water regularly throughout the day.
Keep water beside you, particularly at night.
Choose soft, moist foods and add sauces or gravy where appropriate.
Take small sips of water with meals.
Chew sugar-free gum if you are able to do so comfortably.
Suck on ice chips if your medical team is happy for you to do so.
Ask your dentist, doctor or pharmacist about saliva-replacement gels, sprays or other products.
Try to avoid frequently sipping sugary or acidic drinks to relieve dryness, as repeated exposure can increase the risk of tooth decay and erosion.
When your mouth feels sore
Cancer treatment can sometimes cause inflammation and ulceration of the lining of the mouth, known as oral mucositis.
If your mouth becomes sore, choose foods that are soft and easy to chew. Mashed potato, scrambled eggs, yoghurt, soft rice and other smooth or moist foods may be easier to manage.
Very spicy, salty, acidic, rough or crunchy foods can be uncomfortable when the tissues inside your mouth are already sensitive.
Your medical team may also recommend or prescribe mouth rinses, pain relief, protective gels or other treatments to help keep you comfortable.
Importantly, tell your cancer-care team if your mouth becomes very sore or you develop ulcers, white patches, swelling, bleeding or other signs of infection. Don't simply try to manage significant symptoms yourself.
Changes in taste and smell
Cancer treatment can also temporarily change the way food tastes or smells. Some people notice a metallic taste, find that familiar foods suddenly taste different or lose some of their sense of taste altogether.
It can help to experiment with different foods and flavours. Mild herbs, marinades or sauces may make meals more enjoyable, while strongly flavoured, spicy or acidic foods may be uncomfortable if your mouth is sore.
If a favourite food suddenly tastes unpleasant, you might prefer to leave it for a while and try it again later. Taste changes caused by chemotherapy are often temporary, although changes following radiotherapy to the mouth can sometimes last longer.
How Family and Caregivers Can Help
If you are supporting a loved one through cancer treatment, you are a vital part of their care team. It can be hard to know exactly what to do, but these small actions make a world of difference:
Keep water close by: Dry mouth (xerostomia) is very common and makes teeth more prone to decay. Keep a flask of fresh, cool water nearby for them to sip throughout the day.
Prep soft, comforting meals: When mouth sores (mucositis) make eating difficult, focus on smooth, moist foods. Mild soups, smoothies, yoghurts, and mashed vegetables are gentle on a tender mouth. Try to steer clear of very crunchy, spicy, or highly acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus.
Help track their routine: When someone is feeling exhausted, gentle reminders or bringing them a glass of warm salt water can make maintaining oral hygiene feel much less overwhelming.
Watch for changes: Keep an eye out for any new redness, white patches, or complaints of mouth pain, and let their medical team or our practice know right away.
We Are by Your Side
You are never on this journey alone. At Devon Dentists, we understand that visiting a dentist while dealing with cancer treatment can feel like one more appointment at an already overwhelming time.
Our aim is to make things as straightforward and stress-free as possible, making sure your mouth stays comfortable, healthy and pain-free.
If you are preparing to begin cancer treatment, are currently undergoing treatment, or are caring for someone who is, please give our friendly team a call and let us know about the diagnosis. The more information we have about your treatment and medications, the better we can plan your dental care safely and appropriately. We will make sure you are seen quickly and treated with the utmost care every step of the way.
Looking after your mouth may seem like a small part of cancer care, but keeping it clean, comfortable and healthy can make a meaningful difference to your day-to-day wellbeing.
If something doesn't feel right, please don't wait for it to become painful. Speak to your cancer-care team or contact our dentists for advice.
Supporting ChemoHero
Supporting people affected by cancer is particularly close to our hearts at Devon Dentists, which is why we are proud to support ChemoHero, a wonderful local North Devon charity supporting people before and during their cancer treatment.
For every new adult patient examination at Devon Dentists, we make a donation to ChemoHero. This means that simply by joining our practice, our new patients are also helping us support people in our local community at a time when a little extra kindness and care can mean so much.
We are incredibly proud to support the work ChemoHero does for local patients and their families.
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